Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 221,243,437?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 221243437167 x 13248117933 x 27889
Negative: -1 x -221243437-167 x -1324811-7933 x -27889


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 221,243,437?

Unfortunately, there's not simple formula to identifying all of the factors of a number and it can be a tedious process when trying to identify the divisors of larger numbers. To find the factor combinations of the number 221,243,437, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.

Outside in Factoring

We start by creating a table and writing 1 on the left side and then the number we're trying to find the factors for on the right side in a table. Then, below that, write the numbers as a negative as well.

1 221,243,437
-1 -221,243,437

Why are the negative numbers included?

When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 221,243,437.

Example:
1 x 221,243,437 = 221,243,437
and
-1 x -221,243,437 = 221,243,437
Notice both answers equal 221,243,437

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 221,243,437 and divide it by 2:

221,243,437 ÷ 2 = 110,621,718.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 110,621,718.5 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 221,243,437
-1 -221,243,437

Now, we try dividing 221,243,437 by 3:

221,243,437 ÷ 3 = 73,747,812.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 73,747,812.3333 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 221,243,437
-1 -221,243,437

Let's try dividing by 4:

221,243,437 ÷ 4 = 55,310,859.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 55,310,859.25 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 221,243,437
-1 221,243,437
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

If you did it right, you will end up with this table:

11677,93327,8891,324,811221,243,437
-1-167-7,933-27,889-1,324,811-221,243,437

More Examples

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